Annapolis Shakespeare Creates a Niche in the American Northeast

by Jim Volz. Written on 2013-08-19. Published in Reviews from the ISE Chronicle.

For the production Much Ado About Nothing (2013, Annapolis Shakespeare Company)

It has to be difficult for all the smaller Shakespeare Festivals in America to see the bulk of National Endowment for the Arts theatre funding, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants and other much-needed resources go to the same behemoth theatre companies year after year. While the Public Theatreʼs much-heralded Free Shakespeare in the Park captures National arts headlines with generally star-driven productions and Washington DCʼs Shakespeare Theatre Company gobbles up awards and government dollars, many theatres in the Northeast struggle to find audiences, actors, playing spaces and capital.

One ambitious company that has managed to quickly make a mark for itself with limited re-sources, a young, talented acting core, and a clever, creative design and production team is the emerging professional classical theatre, Annapolis Shakespeare Company. Founded by Sally Boyette-DʼAngelo in 2010, the company is focused on “bold, re-imagined, entertaining and ac-cessible interpretations of Shakespeare and the classics.”

The companyʼs recent doo-wop, fancy-dancing MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING morphs the Bardʼs too oft demure battle of the sexes romance into an energetic, enthusiastic romp that takes full advantage of the companyʼs youthful company. Chandish Nesterʼs Beatrice offers a witty, stylish foil to Grayson Owenʼs funny, frenetic Benedict, and Alyssa Boumaʼs Hero is a charming eventual match for Michael Ryan Neelyʼs cocky turned penitent Claudio. Best of all, these lovers can dance! Backed by a winning ensemble (including Alex Foley, Devion McArthur, Eric Porter, Rob McQuay, Peg Nichols, Ben Lauer, Tim Torre, Stephen Horst, Jonathan Jacobs, Chelsea Mayo, Kimberlee Wolfson, Deryl Davis, Hunter Kane, Clifford Jamieson, Eli Stiewing, and Miranda Savage), this acting company plays together as well as any Shakespeare company in America (including more financially endowed members of the prestigious League of Resident Theatres and Theatre Communications Group).

Artistic Director Sally Boyett-DʼAngeloʼs direction is crisp, fast-paced, and crowd-pleasingly flamboyant, Ken Skrzeszʼs choreography is playful, silly and perfect for this 1950s farce and Paul E. Hopeʼs fight choreography adds panache to the boisterous proceedings. In the world of the Hotel Messina, where a juke box takes center stage; snazzy costumes and LED lights provide razzle-dazzle; and jagged crystal-looking palm fronds frame the entire madness, special recogni-tion must be given to Scenic Designer Steven Royal, Lighting Designer Brian Allard, Costume Designer Maggie Cason and Technical Director Jeffrey Harrison.

One of the joys of working with the worldʼs only publication created by and for producing Shakespeare companies (Shakespeare Theatre Associationʼs quarto) is that Iʼve been able to visit many American and international companies for over 20+ years as an editor and writer. Like so many of Americaʼs 200+ Shakespeare Festivals, the Annapolis Shakespeare Company produces for the pure joy of tackling the classics, entertaining audiences, and offering opportunities for a core of collaborative artists to pursue their passions. These wonderful companies contribute to economic development, industrial recruiting, travel and tourism, and the overall quality of life of a city. They deserve the support of their communities and the attention of corporate, foundation, government and individual donors. This production of MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING is a great reminder that exciting performances are often found in the smallest professional venues and that much ado can indeed be created out of streamlined resources.

Jim Volz, Editor, Shakespeare Theatre Associationʼs quarto
 Professor, Theatre, California State University, Fullerton
[Dr. Jim Volz is a member of the American Theatre Critics Association, former CEO/Managing Director of the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, and the author of seven books, including HOW TO RUN A THEATRE (Methuen Drama/2011), WORKING IN AMERICAN THEATRE (Methuen Drama/2011), and SHAKESPEARE NEVER SLEPT HERE. He has produced over 100 professional productions, consulted for over 100 theatres and professional arts groups, and written over 100 articles for publication in newspapers, magazines, books and journals. He may be reached at jvolz@fullerton.edu]